Managing the Environment Locally in Sub-Saharan Africa (MELISSA)

Leitmann, J. (1995): Managing the Environment Locally in Sub-Saharan Africa (MELISSA). .Post-UNCED Series. Towards Environmentally Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Building Blocks for AFRICA 2025. Paper No.8. The World Bank, Washington, DC.

Sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest urbanising region in the world. Fast-growing cities are experiencing a range of environmental problems similar to other area of the world that have experienced rapid urbanisation. This growth, combined with large populations that will continue to live in towns and villages, will also put increased pressure on rural ecosystems. Thus, there is a need for environmental management at the sub-national level. While the Bank’s Africa region has begun to address local environmental issues in some countries through lending and sector work, there has been relatively little exchange of information, expertise and experience between African localities themselves. In other regions, there are successful networks that link communities concerned with environmental issues and assist with the preparation and implementation of local environmental action plans. These networks, through their support for local environmental management, can help improve the way the Bank does business. Options and next steps are proposed for creating an African network, Managing the Environment Locally in Sub-Saharan Africa (Melissa).